I lived with OCD for ten years and experienced what it’s like to be stuck in OCD’s relentless cycle. I also know there’s a way out.
If you’re like all my clients, you want to regain control of your life, but the intrusive thoughts and painful feelings come back no matter how many times your rituals or compulsions are completed.
Learning new approaches to your thoughts and feelings is way to overcome OCD. I can support and guide you step-by-step in the process.
I’m an OCD advocate, researcher, clinician, and survivor.
As the President of OCD Twin Cities, I work to increase awareness, recognition, understanding of OCD and improve treatment accessibility.
My OCD research was relied on by The International OCD Accreditation Task Force in creating knowledge and competency standards for the treatment of adult OCD. In 2025, I led efforts in making important adjustments in the International OCD Foundation’s Treatment Guidelines.
I’ve been in private practice since 2016 and my specialization is supporting individuals overcoming OCD. My approach to therapy is collaborate, flexible, and rooted in an exposure and response prevention (ERP) framework.
And, as an OCD survivor, I bring lived experience and understanding to all these areas.
OCD can be overcome. I can help.
My clients almost always have a history of unsuccessful OCD treatment.
Going through OCD treatment is tough. Going through it and not seeing any meaningful improvement is especially painful. Participating in therapy and experiencing no positive change brings up questions such as:
(I can only provide services to clients residing in Texas)
Living with OCD can feel overwhelming. Intrusive thoughts spark fears of catastrophe, and no matter how many rituals, compulsions, or avoidance strategies you try, nothing seems to truly help.
Over time, your world can shrink, hope can fade, and the usual “skills and pills” approaches may leave you feeling stuck.
The truth is, there’s nothing wrong with you – and your brain isn’t broken. OCD is maintained by a vicious cycle where the very things that feel natural to do to “fix” the problem actually make it stronger.
The way forward is to understand how OCD really works and learn how to break out of the cycle. Through exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, you can break free from OCD’s grip and reclaim your life. I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
I am a therapist, scientist, supervisor, trainer, and recognized leader in the field. For over 20 years, I’ve run a private practice focused on OCD and anxiety disorders. I have trained future psychologists as a university professor, presented workshops to professionals around the world, and co-authored Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice, a leading text in the field. My research has been widely cited, and I’ve held leadership roles in both universities and professional organizations. I am also a Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
My passion is helping people overcome OCD and build rich, full, and meaningful lives. With the right tools and support, you can face your fears, regain confidence, and rediscover freedom.
Brett Deacon, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
(I can only provide services to clients residing in Texas)
I don’t just know OCD clinically…I’ve lived it.
I danced my own dance with OCD many years ago and that experience fuels the empathy, patience, and steadiness I bring into the therapy room. I understand the fear on a personal level. I also know that freedom from OCD is possible.
Many people with OCD describe feeling trapped inside their own minds and worn out from trying to keep things “right”. They’re overwhelmed by doubt and they’re scared or ashamed of the thoughts that show up uninvited. You may try everything you can think of to feel calm or certain, only to end up even more engulfed in fear. This is often painstakingly lonely.
Our work together is about understanding what OCD is actually doing and learning a new way to respond. I use an evidence-based approach, blended with a deeply compassionate and connected style that teaches you to relate differently to your thoughts and feelings. We’ll build skills that help you step out of the cycle and reconnect with your life in ways that feel doable, hopeful, and grounded.
With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University, I come to you equipped with the knowledge, the years of clinical training and development in OCD work, and my own lived experience as a guide to help you get your life back.
At the end of the day, I show up as a real human. I am committed to being warm, attuned, and in your corner as you learn to build a life that feels bigger than the one OCD has allowed you to have.
With the right support, OCD is treatable. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you’re capable of far more healing than you may believe right now.
Jessie Castro, MEd
Licensed Professional Counselor
(I can only provide services to clients residing in Florida and Texas)
Starting OCD treatment can be overwhelming. We’ll work together, at your pace, to create a tailored treatment plan to help you overcome OCD. You can move beyond constant scary thoughts and anxious feelings. I’ll support and guide you step-by-step through the process.
I’m a therapist because I know that therapy works. Therapy changed my life, it helped my relationship, and it taught me how to be a more confident person who is no longer obsessing and scared. I know it can help you, too.
I hold a master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida. I’m trained in ERP, CPT, and TF-CBT. I’ve specialized in OCD for over 5 years and have helped people with all common OCD theme areas.
Meghan Cromie, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor
